Mortification consists in regulating and ruling our passions, our evil inclinations, and our disorderly self-love . . .
Exterior, as well as
interior, mortification is necessary for perfection, though with this difference, that while the former is to be practised with moderation, the latter requires no limitation.
"What profit," says St. Jerome, "to castigate the body by severe fasts, if one is puffed up with pride -- unable to brook an insult or a refusal?"
Of what use is it to abstain from wine, and yet be intoxicated with anger against those that trouble or contradict us?
With good reason does St. Bernard bemoan those Religious who are humble exteriorly, but who interiorly nourish their passions. They do not eradicate their vices; they only cover them up under the outward signs of penance.
If, on the contrary, we zealously practise mortification of self-love, we shall become saints in a short time without endangering health, without hazarding humility, because God alone is the witness of our interior acts.
